University of Minnesota Athletics
Meet the Newcomers: Serena D'Angelo
7/21/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Hockey
By Hannah Barnes, Athletic Communications Student Intern
MINNEAPOLIS -- The Golden Gophers welcome six newcomers to the 2016-17 women's hockey team, including Serena D'Angelo. The left-handed goaltender comes out of Stoney Creek, Ontario, where she played for the Stoney Creek Sabres.
As the primary goaltender for the Stoney Creek Sabres, D'Angelo led her team to a final record of 47-19-12 during the 2015-16 season. The previous year, D'Angelo helped the Sabres clinch the 2015 Provincial Women's Hockey League title.
Along with her high school experience, D'Angelo has competed at the national level as well. She has suited up for Team Ontario Red alongside Gopher teammate Lindsay Agnew, winning the gold medal at the 2015 U-18 national championships. D'Angelo has also attended Hockey Canada camps, including the Under-18 strength and conditioning camp and Under-18 goalie camp.
D'Angelo joins Alex Woken, Kippin Keller, Patti Marshall, Katie Robinson, and Lindsay Agnew to make up next season's incoming class.
Gopher Sports: How did you start playing hockey?
Serena D'Angelo: I started playing hockey because in Canada, everyone just plays. I didn't have any brothers or sisters that played hockey, but my dad took me out to public skating where you just skate around. I think I was three, and that's how I started.
GS: What other sports did you play growing up?
SD: I played soccer, basketball, lacrosse, and that's it. Hockey got too busy, so I had to quit the other sports.
GS: What made you choose the University of Minnesota?
SD: The first time I came on campus, I knew that it was the place for me. It just felt like home. With how close all of the players are, the coaches, and the culture, it felt right.
GS: What do you plan to major in?
SD: I want to major in psychology and go on to medical school. I want to be a surgeon.
GS: Other than hockey, what do you like to do in your free time?
SD: I like to hang out with my friends and spend time with family.
GS: What are you most looking forward to about playing for the Gophers?
SD: All of the players are so good, so even in practice you are always improving. I'm looking forward to being close with everyone, too.
GS: Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?
SD: Before every game, I have to eat the same thing. Also, I get dressed the exact same way.
GS: Who was your hockey role model growing up?
SD: Carey Price.
GS: What is your favorite part about playing hockey?
SD: My favorite part is being with the team in the dressing room and the time before the games. You have 20 sisters no matter what happens.
GS: How did you go about joining the Stoney Creek Sabres in high school?
SD: Up until grade nine, I played boy's hockey. I knew that no women's college coaches were going to watch boy's hockey, so we reached out to them. I played my first year of midgets as an "under-ager." Within the organization, there is so much focus on development. There are little things to prepare you for college, like rooming with your teammates. I think they really prepare you for the next level, and it helped me a lot.
GS: How has it felt to be able to play for Team Ontario?
SD: It was amazing. Ever since I started playing girl's hockey, that was my goal. Putting on the jersey is just such a blessing. Being able to win was incredible, too. To represent your province is just great.
GS: How do you think attending Hockey Canada camps helped you as a player?
SD: I think that at every camp, you learn so much. They have seminars on nutrition and everything you need to know. The coaches there are so knowledgeable; every time you're on the ice, you learn new things. It makes you grow as a player.
Meet the Newcomers Series:
Meet Lindsay Agnew
Meet Kippin Keller
Meet Patti Marshall
Meet Katie Robinson
Meet Alex Woken
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